The morning after the orc encounter, Sylvara didn't waste any time.
She dragged Hiroto behind the inn to a small clearing used for training. The sun was barely up, the air was crisp, and Hiroto was already regretting every motivational speech he had given himself the night before.
Sylvara stood in front of him, arms crossed, looking every bit the elite knight she was.
"You said you want to get stronger," she said, her emerald eyes sharp. "Then let's see how serious you are. Today, we start with the basics."
Hiroto swallowed.
"Basics… like what?"
Sylvara picked up a wooden training sword and tossed it to him. He barely caught it without dropping it on his foot.
"Like not dying in the first ten seconds of a fight."
She took a stance, her own wooden sword ready.
"Attack me."
Hiroto hesitated for a second, then gripped the sword tighter.
Even if I'm weak, I have to start somewhere. I can't keep being the guy who trips over his own feet and calls it 'strategy'.
He lunged forward with an awkward swing.
Sylvara sidestepped effortlessly, tapped his side with her sword, and sent him stumbling forward like a drunk chicken.
"Too slow. Too predictable. Again."
Hiroto tried again. And again. Each swing was met with easy parries or dodges. After the fifth failed attempt, he was panting, sweat dripping down his face, and his arms felt like wet noodles.
This is humiliating… but I'm not stopping. I died once as a nobody. I'm not doing it again. I want to become the Harem Lord I always dreamed of — not the weak punchline who needs constant protection.
He swung once more, putting everything he had into it.
Sylvara blocked it, then used his momentum to trip him. He fell face-first into the grass.
She stood over him, looking down with a mix of amusement and approval.
"You're determined. That's good. But determination alone won't save you. Your body is weak, your movements are clumsy, and your grip is terrible."
Hiroto pushed himself up, breathing hard, grass in his hair.
"I know. But I'm not giving up. I want to get stronger. I need to get stronger. Not just to survive… but to actually become the Harem Lord I always dreamed of. I don't want to be the weak guy who needs protection. I want to be the one who can protect others. The one who can lead. The one who deserves to have companions by his side — not just because I'm rare, but because I'm worthy."
Sylvara watched him silently for a moment, then her lips curved into a genuine smile.
"Good. That's the first time you've said it with real conviction."
She offered him a hand and pulled him up. For a brief moment, they were very close. Hiroto could feel the warmth of her body and the faint pressure of her armor against him. Her presence was overwhelming — powerful, confident, and dangerously attractive.
The System chimed softly.
[Quest Progress: Form your First Bond with a Futanari Companion — 78% Complete.]
Sylvara noticed the faint glow and leaned in slightly, her voice low and teasing.
"It's rising fast. Your Charm is working overtime… even if your sword skills are still terrible."
Hiroto's face heated up, but he didn't look away.
"Then help me," he said. "I'm serious. Train me. Kick my ass if you have to. Just… help me become the Harem Lord I want to be."
Sylvara's smile turned mischievous. She didn't step back immediately. Instead, she stayed close, her breath brushing his ear.
"Careful what you wish for, little male. Training with me won't be gentle. And once we start… you might find yourself getting very close to me. In more ways than one."
Hiroto's brain short-circuited.
78%… This bond system is dangerous. And she's making it even more dangerous.
Sylvara stepped back, but not before giving him one last teasing look.
"Get some rest today. Tomorrow, the real training begins. And try not to stare at my armor too much while we train. It might distract you… or me."
Hiroto watched her walk away, heart still racing.
This second life just got a lot more painful… and a lot more interesting.